Najib instructs navy to begin search, rescue of boat people

KUALA LUMPUR — The Royal Malaysian Navy will begin search and rescue of migrants stranded at sea off the peninsula’s western cost and also assist in delivering humanitarian aid to the boat people, Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

Mr Najib tweeted that he had instructed the navy to proceed with humanitarian efforts for the migrants, ethnic Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladeshis, who have been stuck on boats after being barred from berthing on shore in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand last week.

“I have instructed @tldm_rasmi & APMM to assist @MERCYMalaysia to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyan refugees, by sea or land,” Mr Najib tweeted.

“It is basic human compassion tt we ensure the hungry wl b given food & water while the sick wl b attended to w medical treatment & supplies,” he said in another tweet.

“I have further ordered @tldm_rasmi and APMM to conduct search and rescue efforts on Rohingya boats. We have to prevent loss of life,” he added, referring to the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Mr Najib’s remarks follow an agreement between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand after ministerial tripartite talks yesterday to give temporary shelter to the migrants in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to provide refuge the estimated 7,000 Rohingyas and Bangladeshis out at sea, but up to one year only, during which time both countries expect the international community to help in repatriation or relocation efforts.

Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman said yesterday while waiting for suitable shelters to be identified, Malaysia would send humanitarian aid out to those stranded on the boats.

The Bangladeshis on the boats are believed to be economic migrants, while the Rohingyas are escaping persecution from the Myanmar government, which has denied them citizenship, rendering them stateless. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER